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68
June14
E
ven from the outside, the
Neary family’s contemporary
style shines through. The
architecture incorporates
smooth wood panelling, travertine
bathrooms and geometric stone pillars
for a modern, sleek look. So sleek, in
fact, that it takes me a good second
or two to find the ultra-minimalist front
door – it’s knob-free, so as to blend into
the façade. Once I’ve found my way, I’m
greeted by the family’s friendly Yorkshire
terrier, Leo, who’s been the baby of the
bunch from the time the Nearys lived in
Hampshire, UK.
As we sit on one of the living room’s
two long sofas, Leo makes himself
comfortable on my lap while Mayte –
who’s originally from Madrid, Spain
– tells me about her family’s time in the
UK, followed by their most recent two-
year stint in Dublin, her husband Joe’s
hometown. It was just last August that
Mayte and Joe picked up and moved
to Singapore with their children, Nico
(16) and Stephanie (13), for Joe’s IT
executive job. Although they miss Dublin
dearly – so much that they’re planning
on purchasing a beach home there –
they’ve managed to settle in gradually
but nicely to their new surroundings.
“Moving to the other side of the world
has its challenges,” Mayte confides. “But
moving teenagers to the other side of
the world is the most challenging thing
of all.” She adds: “It’s definitely been an
adjustment, but less than a year later,
they’re more established and enjoying
their time here.”
Mayte’s been able to make a life here
for herself as well, keeping busy with
up to five private tutoring sessions a
week. Having run her own Spanish club
in the UK for primary school students,
and later opening her own preschool
“I enjoy hunting
down accessories
from all kinds of
stores, from well-
known retailers
to antique outlets
to hole-in-the-wall
shops in Chinatown
and Kampong
Glam.” Buddha
statue from Lee’s
Antiques.
“Joe spends a lot of time outdoors, so great patio furniture was
essential. We chose these pieces from Boulevard not only because
we liked their look, but also because of their durability in this climate.”